Vintage Mother Of Pearl Nacre Oyster Shell

Description

Mother-of-pearl is the iridescent inside lining of a mollusk shell. It is most commonly found in three types of mollusks—pearl oysters, freshwater mussels, and abalone. To protect the inside of their shells from parasites and foreign irritants, the mollusk coats it with a nacre—an organic substance that gives mother-of-pearl its iridescent effect and distinct beauty. This multicolored iridescence is caused by the way light reflects on the layers of nacre on the shell.

Mother of pearl is primarily used for jewelry, people have also used them for many other purposes. Mother of pearl is also used to accent various musical instruments including guitars, harmonicas, accordions, and ouds. In previous centuries, some cultures placed great importance on the mother of pearls, sometimes more than pearls themselves. In ancient Egypt, the mother of pearl was used to embellish silver pieces. Mother of pearl was also immensely popular in China during the Shang and Ming Dynasties. Finally, in the Americas, Native American tribes regularly traded mother of pearl and used it to create beads and jewelry.